Black Combtooth Blenny

The black combtooth blenny is recognized by its bluish-black body and its noticeably lighter, gray-blue tail; when excited, blue lines and spots may appear on its body. Reaching about 10 cm, it is one of the larger species of the genus Ecsenius. In the wild it lives on coral reefs from estuaries to outer lagoons, mostly on shallow reef flats at around 6 meters, alone on rocks and on top of sponges. It likes to stay hidden; when in danger it immediately retreats into a hole.

• At least 110 liters; mature live rock with plenty of algae.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe with caution: most individuals leave corals alone, but some may pick at LPS and SPS corals or clam mantles; watch it during the first weeks.
• Plenty of holes and rock overhangs.
• It may jump at night; a lid is essential.

Herbivorous. It grazes the algae on the rocks; supplement with flakes, granules, algae sheets and frozen plant-based foods containing spirulina and seaweed. It also accepts mysis and brine shrimp. Feed twice a day.

Generally calm towards other fish. It is territorial towards its own kind and blennies that resemble it; it may attack similarly shaped fish.

Good companions: Clownfish, cardinalfish, chromis, tangs, dwarf angelfish, wrasses.

Avoid: Other blennies, aggressive damselfish, large predators; sensitive clams and small SPS frags.